From hypertrophy to strength

Since age 15, I have been an avid bodybuilder. I would spend hours in the gym developing my physique, doing my best to look like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Lou Ferrigno, and Dorian Yates.

It became almost an obsession. Even through college, I felt like I knew the ins and out's of my college gym more than my studies. Looking back, all those hours could have been spent studying and pursuing something else. But instead, I would be, as the Rock would say, clanging and banging the cold, unforgiving iron.

For the last 4-5 weeks, I have been focusing on strength under the barbell using the methods from Starting Strength. While I wouldn't consider myself a 'novice' in barbell training, I decided to embody the novice mindset and develop my barbell skills.

My progress has developed quite well over the last month and a half of old-school linear progression. I have managed to add some solid numbers to my squat, bench, deadlift, row, and chin-ups. All, except my press...my arch-nemesis (the arch-nemesis of many, actually).

The difference now is that instead of devoting 5-6 days to bodybuilding, I spend 3-4 days working meticulously on my strength, and the other days enjoying other activities like walking, biking, and running. 

I went from fitness is life, to fitness being a part of life.

I don't feel like my mass has diminished either. If anything, I think being relatively stronger has given me more confidence. 

Oh, and that grizzly man in the photo above is Mark Rippetoe (or, Rip as they call him), the founder of Starting Strength. He can be a little crass, but he is a wellspring of knowledge...and how to make chicken-fried steak.